Machine gun mount and locking device therefor



July 25, 1933. G JOHNSTON 1,919,223

MACHINE GUN MOUNT AND LOCKING DEVICE THEREFOR Filed April 10, 1951 5 Sheets-Sheet l y 1933- G. JOHNSTON 23 MACHINE GUN MOUNT AND LOCKING DEVICE THEREFOR Filed April 10, 1931 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 "ur H July 25, 1933.

G. JOHNSTON 1,919,223

MACHINE GUN MOUNT AND LOCKING DEVICE THEREFOR Filed April 10, 1931 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 dam M41 y 1933. G, JOHNSTON 1,919,223

MACHINE GUN MOUNT AND LOCKING DEVICE THEREFOR Filed April 10, 1931 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 3& QWW/W/ y 1933. a. JOHNSTON MACHINE GUN MOUNT AND LOCKING DEVICE THEREFOR Filed April 10, 1931 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 gmcnl ob @a zzbw cfawfc.

Patented July 25, 1933 UNlTEfi STATES PATENT QFFICE GREENHOW JGHNSTON, OF GLEN ALLEN, VIRGINIA, ASSIGNOR, OF ONE-HALF TO GBEENHOW MAURY, JR., 011 RICHMOND, VIRGINIA MACHINE Application filed April 10,

The present invention relates to looking devices, and more particularly to locking devices and locking clamps adapted to be used in, tripods for securely clamping and locking an instrument to the tripod seat or cradle.

The invention herein disclosed is particcularly of value in locking a machine gun to the cradle upon which it is positioned. It may be pointed out that. when a machine gun is tired there is a tremendous recoil which has a tendency to unlock the locking device. 111 :u-cordance with the present invention, a positive locking of a machine gun to the cradle lllCll'llJQl of the instrument carrying head is obtained. It is of tremcn dous importance that unlocking be prevented as the machine gun in action is auto matically fired a number of time and it is obvious, for example, that when following an aeroplane the operator of the gun cannot stop to lock the gun to the cradle member while the aeroplane is being followed. Further. it the machine gun becomes loosened from the cradle member, the sight on the aeroplane is lost and inaccuracy in firing thereby results. The rci'narks that have been made in connection with aero planes are m course applicable to any moving object, such as tanks, armored motor cars, and the like.

Many attempts have been made to provide a suitable lo king device having the advantages pointed out, but as far as known none of these have been successful. Most of the prior devices have been provided with springs and quick acting bolts, but such ele ments have not proved satisfactory.

in its broadest form, the present invcn' tion is directed to a support or cradle base forming a rest for an article to be clamped and locked thereon. Adjacent each side of the support or cradle base are cradle sides forming article clamping i'uembcrs movable toward and from the cradle base. Means are provided to move said cradle sides in and out of clamping positions. Preferably, the cradle sides a 'c n'ioved toward and from the longitudinal center line oi the cradle base, while the sides are maintained in sym- GUN MOUNT AND LOCKING DEVICE THEREFOR 1931. Serial No. 529,216.

metrical spacing to said line. The cradle base carries guide members extending transversely thereot, and the cradle sides are sli lfably mounted on the guide members. Means are provided to simultaneously move the cradle side members towards each other into a clamping position, and from each other into a releasing position, said means being arranged to lock the sides rcleasably in clamping position. A camming device having operative connection with the cradle sides is preferably employed to effect the simultaneous movements of the sides towards and from the longitudinal center line of the cradle base.

'lransverse members extending from each cradle side member are proVided with projecting pins and the latter work in a cam plate having diverging pairs of cam slots, the cam plate being mounted on the cradle base for movement longitudinally thereof.

It may be pointed out that the cam slots are so arranged that a movement of the cam plate in one direction efl'ects movement of the cradle sides towards each other to clamp the article on the cradle base and the movement of the plate n the other direction effects movement 05 the sides from each other to unclanip the article. The cam slots have parallel extensions forming so dwells and receive the cam pins when the cradle sides are in a clamping position to thereby effect a locking action. Means are provided to move the cam plate.

'lhe transverse members extending from each cradle side toward the other cradle side form adjacent pairs of" transverse members, the cam pins projecting from each member of said pair of transverse members being ollsct longitudinally with respect to each other longitudinally of the cradle base. The cam plate is also provided with diverging pairs of slots to receive the cam pins. The parallel extensions continuous With said slots and forming dwells offset to correspond with the cam pin offsets whereby upon the cam plate being moved in one direction, the of the cradle are preliminary brought into a cannn ng position and, upon further movement as the cam pins enter the sides dwell port. into a locking P:-itl0il. Upon reverse movement, the cam plate brought into an unlocking and unclainping position.

The present invention also contemplates iertain novel details of combination. construction and arrangement of parts of the improved apparatus whereby certain important advantages are obtained, as will be more fully described hereinafter and pointed out in the claims, it being understood that the invention is susceptible of various changes in construction which may be made within the scope of the claims without departing from the spirit of the inven- -ion.

The present invention will be disclosed and fully explained by reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 is a side elevation of the tripod diowing the instrument: carryingseat or cradle provided with a locking device;

Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the instrunient carrying seat or cradle together with a locking device and a rack for holding an nninunition box adapted to supply ammunition to a gun mounted on the cradle;

Fig. 3 is a bottom plan view of the same; Fig. 4 is a side elevation of the same;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the cradle side member;

Fig. 6 is a perspective top view showing the instrument cradle mounted on the instrument carrying-head;

Fig. is a perspective bottom view of the ianie;

Fig. 8 is a bottom plan view of the locking device in its unlocked position and showing the side clamps and slide member thereof;

Fig. 9 is a similar view members of the locking locked position;

Fig. 10 is a bottom plan view of the slide member;

Fig. 1.1 is a plan view partly in section on the line 11-11 of Fig. 1, showing an adjiistable expansion nut cooperating with th of the respective device in their lower tripod carrying-head to assist in the tightening or loosening of the same in ac- :ordance with contractii'm or expansion induced by atniosphm'ie conditions;

Fig. 1.2 is a vertical se tion on the l ne 12-12 of Fig. 11, showing :2: adiustincnt bolt in the lower ('till'YlHQ-lillltl and contactiig with the friction plate positioned between the upper and lower carrying head so that the friction therein-tween may be controlled;

Fig. 13 is a perspective view oi a portion it' the lower ttlllyi2]{l-iit:l='l, showing the triction groove recessed to receive the friction plate;

Fig. 14 is a horizontal sectional view talien 0n the line 1414 of Fig. 12. showing the pin bolt cut away to receive the strap lock;

Fig. 1.5 is a perspective view of the locking device for assisting in locking the upper carrying-hearl to the lower carryinghead, the lock strap being shown in assembled relationship with the bolt, washer and nut members;

Fig. 1G is a plan View partly in section showin the bolt member cut awa and )0- s I sitioned Eitljtittlit the lock strap;

Fl". 17 is a )ers iective view of the lock is l strap;

Fi 18 is a vertical section taken on the to line .li-i-lts' of Fi ll showin an eccentric L h lock Ior locking together the lugs and arcuate members of the tripod supporting inembei';

Fig. is a front elevation partly 111 tion of one set of legs;

Fig. 20 is a detailed perspective view showin the i'ttltllllll means t'or holdnn the i H leg nwinoers in ditlerent positions;

Fig. 21 sectional view on is a horizontal the line i5l;'l of Fig. 2t);

Fi 22 is a side elevation oi the leg castiiig siniwing its connection to the leg, the latter being shown in dotted lines;

Fig. :23 is a horizontal section on the l ne. 23- ot Fig. 22;

Fig. it is a iiioditied form of clamp for holding the telescoping legs in rigid relation;

Fig. 2:; is a transverse section taken line ZS--23 of Fig. 24;

Fig. 2G is a detail of the mud shoe shown in Fig. 9, the full. lii.e showing it used as a point support and the dotted line showing it used as a surface support for moist or so it ground;

Fig. .27 is an elevation showing a uxiliarv means for resisting the torque induced by the movement of the instrument carrying head i Fig. 28 is a detail of a resistance shoe constitni'iing one of the members oi. the auxiliary means set torth in Fig. 26;

Fig. it an inverted perspective view of the ammunition box holder. together with at deflector for assisting in throwing the shells discharged from the machine gun;

The tripod. as shown in Fig. 1. comprises a split arcuate tripod supporting base 1 split into arciiate members 2 and 3, having upper and lower pioieeting ribs 4: and 5, p ovided with surfaces 6 and 7 respectively arcuate in shape and adapted for engagement with the outer areiiate face 8a of the lower tripod carrying head 8.

liIounted on the lower carrying head 8 for horizontal rotative movement is an upper tripod carrying head 9 provided with a supporting base 10. The standard supporting base 10 has mounted thereon an instrument carrying head supporting standard 11. lvlounted on the latter is an irratrurnent car- (ill rying head 12 having a projecting instrument seat or cradle 13.

The cradle base or seat 1; is provided with transversely extending guide members or pins l t, 15, 1a and 17 arrangi cd in alincd and oppositely projecting pairs adjacent each end of the cradle. Cradle sides 18 and 19 are each apertured at .50 and Lil to receive the pins projecting from a respective side of the cradle ll) and are thus permitted lateral movement toward and from the cradle. These cradle sides term, as will be present 1y explained. the clamps ol the device These cradle sides are provided with cross or transverse members 22, -3, 2% and 25. the arrangement of the cross members beingsuch that each side carries two ol' the cross members and the cross members of one side are positioned beside the cross members oi the other side. The free ends ol the cross menubers are slidably mounted in recesses and 27.

These cross members have cam pins I 50. ll, 32 and 33 projecting downwardly 'l'roan their under sides, said pins being ca icd r spectivoly by the cross members 2.1:. '53. :l and The cradle provided on its under side with spaced and alined ribs :ir and it arranged along the center line .roi the cradle base. These ribs are cacl: provided with a slot lilthrough whirl. a pair of the cross members pass and i the bottom of each slot is a notch 35. 'lhcse nolrhcs 123 are arranged to permit passage of the pins 150, 31, 32 and 33, so that the cradle sides may be readily removed in cleaning or repairin; the device. When the locl iap; dca ice is used to lock an instrument such as a machine gun having a high recoil, pins to, ll. la and it, are provided on the sidc members 18 and 19 to it into corresponding re esses in the gun. However, this construction is used merely when a machine gun or the like is mounted thereon, is one having high recoil. and therefore the pins may be eliminated under some circumstances. The pins ll) lo l3 prcl Ill erably have tapered surfaces an. 31'. 31 and 39 to assist U1 keeping; the llllll'll llt' gun in alinement.

Cooperating with the slidablc cross arms 22, 23, 24 and is a slotted slidable lUll-(lllfl' plate 44, this plate also ilmctioning to open and close the locking: device. This ram plate 44 is provided with spaced and alined slots 52 and 53 wherethrough pmrs bolts 5. and 55 respectively which serve to hold tlfr late beneath the cradle base and pcrmil it to slide longitudinally of the cradle. in the upper face of this plate 44' at the rear end H) is provided with a pair at diagonal cam slots 47 and 48 receiving: the respective pin; 30 and El and at those ends of these slots which are furthest apart are provided parallel portions 43 forming cam dwells. Similarly, at the other end 51 of the member ll there are provided diverging cam slots 49 receiving the pins 325 and 3%) and terminating in parallel dwell portions 50. The diag onal portions of the cam slots at one end of the plate are parallel to the corresponding slol portions at the other end. It will be noted. however. that the dwell or parallel portions at each end are so arranged that one of these dwell portions has its junction with its diagonal slut oli'set longitudinally of the plate with respect to the other dwell portion. The reason for lhis will be understood wln-n the lunclion and operation of the plate it are r1 'idcrcd. This plate tornr; a cam member and its function is to move the cradle sides toward and from each other and thus toward and from the cradle base or bottom. iilorcovcr. the action of this plate is to maintain the cradle sides symmetrically positioned with respect to the center line ail of me cradle base. Finally. it is the function oil the dwell portions of the slots to loch the cradl sides in clampingposition. in operit is to he noted that the cam ining' pin. l. Ill. 15:! and 3;; being carried on the rcs wctiv.- cross members are necessarily arranged in pairs with one pin of each pair oiisel longiludi ly of the cradle with respect to the olhcr. in order to ellect the cumming: action to draw the cradle sides toward each other. the plate in the present arrangement is movcd longitmlinally to spread the pi s apart. This movement oi the cradle sides towards each other continues until the plate ll has ircen moved to bring; dwell portion-i to such positions as receive the pins. ll the pins are to cease their lateral movement simnltancousiy so that the cradle sides come to rest equally spaced lrom the center line a'--.'n, then they must be caused to engage the dwells simultanwvusly. Ac cordi gly, since the pins are ollset as above described the dwells mu-t also be equally ol'lsct. Obviously. the arrangement ol' lie pins, slots and dwells may be reversed so that the dwells are at the closer ends of the slots and the pins are moved toward each other it) draw th cradle sides toward each other.

in order to opcra r the is provided an opcraiiizp lever 57 prondcii with a handle 55 at one end and pivoted to the cradle bottom on a bolt or pin 5!) which passe: through a slot 58 in said lever to allow the ncce. 3; play. The remaining; end of the lever is pivoted on a boil. bl) carried by the plate The arrangement of this level is such llnn upon pulling the handle away than the cra as in Fig. 5* the cam pins are one inc closer portions of the cam a h and the cradle sides are forced apart to rrlcase the gun. \Vhcn th motion of the handle 57 is revcrsed, the cam pins move in the diagonal cam slots in a diverging; direction towards the dwell portion cam plate il. there and the cradle sides are brought to a clamping position with respect to the instrument carried by the cradle. The continued motion of the handle 57 causes the cam pins to engage the dwell portions adjac nt the cam slots to effectively lock the instrument on the cradle base. In other words, the arrangement of the pins and slots provides a compound movement functioning first to clamp the instrument. such as a gun, on and to the instrument seat or cradle, and then to lock it thereto in such a manner as to minimize the unlocking tendency induced by the recoil of the gun.

Suitably mounted, as for example on the carrying head 12 and aojacent to one of the side members of the locking device. is an ammunition box carrier til provided with slideways 62 and (53 having lips (54: and (3.7, the slideways receiving an ammunition box which is held in place by the flange (it; projecting from the bottom of the annnnnition carrier or bracket. hlountcd on the ammunition carrier or bracket (3] is a deflector (37. as shown inFig. 29. the deflector functioning to receive and dellect; exploded shells. To stop the ammunition box from sliding through the ammunitimi carrier til. there is provided an otl'set lip on.

teferring to the tripod supporting base 1 and the lower tripod carrying head H. means are provided for undrolling the friction between these two members. lodtioned between the pro ecting ribs t and 5 of either arcnatc member 2 and 3 is a screw bolt (is adapted to bear against a ttexiblc friction plate (if) of any suitable material, but preferably made of a metal which will not scar such as copper. The plate (39 removahlv mounted in the split arcuate member 3 by means of a sent: or the like. as shown in detail in Fig. 11. The bolt (is is preferably provided with a shoe 71. the shoe riding a 'ainst the friction plate 69. flown 'cr. it is obvious that the shoe may be omitted and then the bolt (38 will ride against the friction plate (35). he

friction plate f and 5 of the spli .t thrce-point suspen ion pod ca raving head 8.

The function of the friction plate (39 and the bolt (38 will be clear from the following: in order to tighten the lower tripod carr ving head 8 in the tripml supporting base i. the bolt 68 is turned and the lower tripod carrying head and the split supporting b and the projecting ribs -l t supporting base providefor the lower ltl having projecting ribs -1 and 5 are brongiit nto frictional wintact. After so bringing the two into frictional "ontact, the final tightening is obtained by the primary tightening means operated by handle 72. It is to be noted that when the bolt (38 is turned, it presses against the shoe (3!) adja: cent the arcuate face So of the lower tripod carrying head 8 is pressed against the flanges 4 and 5 at the substantially d1ametrically opposed points 46 and 5b. This provides what is herein termed a three-point suspension for the carrying head 8, forces being applied at the friction shoe 69 and at the points 4/) and 5/) of the ribs 4 and 5.

The advantages of the arrangement set forth are first that a wedge effect is obtained; second, the expansion of the ball tripod carrying head and the other members may be taken care of, it being borne in mind that. the tripod is to be used under all kinds of weather conditions. Further, if dirt gets in between the ball tripod carrying head 8 and the supporting tripod base 1, it may be easily worked out by unloosening the bolt 68.

It is to be noted that the stationary legs 7.; which are preferably made of alumion a cross pin or bolt 76. face of each tripod head provide projecting teeth male members which ativelv 'l'cinalc e inner sur- 74 is serrated to 77, functioning as are adapted to coopercngagc corresponding depressions or members 78 on flanges 79, extending from the tripod supporting base 1. The cross pin 76 is positioned Within a supporting member 80 to prevent the pin from springing on being tightened. The cross pin 76 is threaded at one end to receive a nut 81 and a novel locking device is provided at the other end. The pin 76 is provided at the locking end with a cam shaped head 82. Eccentrically mounted on the head is a cam-shaped locking member 83 having a handle 84. It is to be noted that the cam-shaped locking member 83 has a curved surface from the points A and B. From the point B to the point C. the surface of the locking member is straight. The lock is shown in the locked position in Fig. 18. hcn in this position, the lines D-D and E E show the vertical portion of the member 83 which is adjacent to the leg member 7i. This construction of the cam member 83 is an improvement over the old cam construction in which the cam had a cont nuous circular face. For instance, when using the tripod in connection with a machine gun mount, there is a tremendous recoil. In using the old cam locking device which had a continuous curved cam face, the recoil unloosened the lock. In the present device, by virtue of the cam being eccentrically mounted on the pin 85 and having a straight portion, as pointed out, an effective locking action is obtained. A similar locking device 86 is provided to lock the split arcuate sections 4 and 5 together.

The lower carrying head 8 mounted in the arcuate members 4 and 5 for universal movement, as shown in Figs. 12 and 13, has an upper wall provided with a circular groove 87 provided with a recess 8h, having positioned therein a metal plate 89. Mounted in the entire groove 87 is a friction packing 90. The carrying head 8 is provided with a longitudinal recess, the walls of which are threaded to receive a bolt 91. The shank of the bolt carries jam nut The timetion 01' this arrangement is to bring the lower carrying head 8 in close frictional contact with the supporting base 10 of the instrument carrying head supporting stamiard 11 when any noticeable wear has taken place in the friction packing 90. 5y simply tightening the bolt .)l, the desired frictional contact is obtained.

A novel locking arrangement which is in. etl'ect a double lock is provided tor locking the tripod supporting base 10 to the lower tripod carrying head 8. fr hing bolt 01-3 is fixedly mounted in the tripod supporting base 10 and passes through an aperture in the upper wall 9 1 ot the lower carrying head 8, the latter being provided with a bottom taee 05. Positioned on the bolt 9;) zdja ent the threads 04 is a washer 06 made out of any bearing metal, but preferably brass. fastening nut 97 is threaded on the shank of the bolt 93 adjacent the bearing plate 90. \Vhen this nut is tightened, the supporting base 10 is brought into tight engagement with the lower carrying head a, and so etteets a tightening together of the two m mbers. A further tightening is elll'rtcd by the following means. It is to be noted that the threaded portion ot the bolt 02-, is cutaway to present a straight late 08, as shown in Figs. 15 and 10. Positioned adjacent the tightening nut 97 is r 'asher 09, the inner wail oi which has been cut away to provide a straight portion 100, as shown in Fig. 16. The diameter of the king bolt 03 as cut away is less than the inner diameter of the bolt, as shown in Fig. 10. so that a clarane': space 101 is formed between the two members. Positioned within the clearance space is a lock strip 102 having a tongue 10;) projecting vertically therefrom, as hou'n in Fig. 14. The tongue 10;, is positioned in the clearance space 101. adjacent the face 98 of the bolt 03 and the cut away portion 100 01 the washer 09. After the tripod suppoi ting base 10 and the lower ear-- rying head 8 have been brought into light engagement by the initial locking means. the washer 90 is put on adjacent to the locking nut 97. and then the locking nut 104 is screwed on to the shank ol the bolt. Therm atte the locking strip 102 is ins rted into the clearance space 101 and the locking nut 104 is then tightened. The locking strip 102 is made of a soft metal or alloy that may be bent easily without breaking. After the projecting vertical tongue 103 of strip is inserted into the clearance space 101 as described and the locking nut 101 tightene-l, the portion 105 of the locking strip is bent over adjacent to the under surface 106 of the locking nut 104:. This makes it impossible for the lower locking nut 101 to be unscrewed by the recoil of an instrument mounted on the tripod. 1n other Words ihei'e is provided a positive locking engagement of the nut 101 to the bolt and by virtue ihereoi and the cooperating initial locking means, a tight engagement between the tripod supporting head 10 and the lower carrying head 8.

The carrying head 12 having a lower wedge-shaped portion 106 is constructed set lorth in application Serial No. a .9735519, iiled, Nov. 21, 1030, and coopentes with variable pressure means set forth in said appiication, the variable pressure means being set under a predetermined pressure to hold the instrument carrying head and the instrument in set initial position. The lower wedgesshaped nnanber is adapted to tighten itseli" against the "variable pressure means as the instrument carrying head and instrument more from the initial set position. it has been found desirable to provide additional tightening means. As shown in Fl 21', a shoe 107 surrounds the wedge-shaped portion 100 of the carrying head 12 which ifi mounted on a standard 11, as shown in Fig. 1, the standard being positioned on the carrying head supporting base 10. l'donnted on Lhe base 10 are opposing shoes 10:) and 110, one of them being shown in all in Fig. 28. The shoes are provided Hi wedge shaped portions 108. The suporting base 10 is provided with projecting members 111 and 113 internally threadr-d at 1.12 to cooperate with the external threads 1P1 and 115 of the spring tension nuts 10 and 117. These spring tension nuts hold freely the stems 118 and 119 of the shoes 109 and 110 respectively against the, tension of the springs 120 and 121. The shoes 105) and 110 are provided with guards 122 and 23, these guards acting as a guide in holding the shoes in place.

As shown in Fig. 19, the tripod legs comprise stationary meirbers 723 and teleseop' ing sections 124 and 3. \Vhen the tripod legs are to be used to follow a rapidly mov ing object sueh as an aeroplane, it is essential that means he provided for quickly adjusting the tripod legs from a fiat position close to the ground to one where they are in a more vertical position and a higher clevation from the ground. This is accomplished by the arrangement shown in Fig, 19, which shows the tripod legs somewhat the locking spread apart and in a somewhat vertical position the machine gun being elevated and away from the ground. Each fixed leg 73 is provided with a spring member 126. the spring member being in the shape of a projecting tongue and carrying a tooth 127 at the lower part of the tongue 12(3. The tooth 127 is adapted to engage a series of slots 128 in the movable telescopic leg 124, when the spring member is actuated h the handle 129. A similar spring mcmber 130 is mounted on the telescopic leg 124 and is provided at its lower portion with a tooih 131, adapted to engage slots 132 in the tclescopic member 125.

The tripod legs, as shown in I ig. 15). are in their open or extended position with the teeth 12? and 131 in engagement with slots 128 and 132. lVhcu it is desired to shorten the tripod leg and bring the legs close to the ground. the handle 129 is pulled outwardly away from the leg 73 so that its tooth 127 disengages from the slot 125. This allows the upper leg member 73 to recede and engage in any desirable slot 128 in the telescopic member 124. It the tripod legs are shortened suflicieni'ly. it will not be necessary for the operator to use the second spring member 1151') b pulling on the handle 1325. However, when desired, the handle 133 may be pulled outwardl so as to disengage the tooth 131 from its respective slot 132. In this manner. many desirable results may be accomplished. lVhen it is desired to lengthen the legs a pull is exerted on the tripod leg 73. and the teeth 127 and 131 become disengaged from their respective notches and the telescopic legs ride upwardly into the desired position. When the movement is stopped. the teeth 127 and 131 automatically. due to pressu e of the springs 126 and 130. engage the desired slots. \Vhen a lifting action is c);- erted on the stationary leg 73, the hire 127m of the tooth 127 engages the upper face 128a ot' the slot 128 and the tooth 12? is cammed out oi engagen'ient with the slot 128. 'hen the tripod legs are positioned in any desired position by means of the locking teeth and their cooperating slots the weight of the instrument carried by the tripod is sufficient to hold the teeth in locking engagement with their respective slots, the pressure induced by the weight of the instrument being transmitted through the tripod legs 73 and to the tooth 127 abutting against the lower face 128],- oi the slot 128. Fig. 20 shows the legs in the telescoped position. The spring members 126 and 130 are made of a metal having the proper spring tension so that the weight of the legs overbalances the tension of the spring. lVIeans are provided tor clampingcooperating legs together in a fixed po ition. Referring to Figs. 24 and 25. 134 is the fixed stationary leg and 135 is a movable telescopic leg. As shown in Fig. 24, there is a. third telescopic member 136. However, the arrangement about to be described will work with or Without the third telescopic leg member 136. Fixed to the opposing walls 137 and 138 of the stationary leg members 134 by means of rivets or the like is a spacing block 139. A clamp 140 provided with lips 141 is positioned adjacent and around the left hand telescopic member 136, as shown in Fig. 24. The side members 142 and 143 of the clamp 140 have pivotaliy mounted therein a cross pin 144 having cam faces 145 and 146 adapted to lock the opposing legs to each other on operation of the handle 147. The locking arrangement is identical with that shown in ig. 18, the construction of which has been previously described. The spacing block 139 has lips 141 extending over and in engagement with the upper surface of the tension spacing block 139. A similar set of lips 1415/ are in engagement with the under surface of the tension spacing member 13!). The function of the lips 141 and 1411/ is to hold the spacing member 139. the legs 134 and 136. and the camming member 140 carrying the locking means in horizontal alincmeut irrespective of the position of the legs.

Pivotally mounted on the tripod le jzs 125 by means of a pin 148 is a shoe 149. which may be used to position the tripod legs either on hard or soft ground. As shown in Fig. 1.), the shoe is adapted to be placed in hard ground. The position which the shoe 149 takes when used to the tripod upon soft ground is shown in Fig. 215.

The shoe 149 comprises a triangular or spear-shaped member 151) having a projecting flange 151, as shown in Fig. 26. EY- tcnding from the member 151) at right angles thereto is a projecting flange 152 which also functions as a locking member. The flange member 152 is provided with a series ot slots 153 adapted to receive a locking plate 154, pivotally mounted on one of the legs 125 and 155. The umd shoe 149 is provided with a detachable steel point 156 which may be renewed as it wca out.

It is desired to point out while the clamping and locking device herein disclosed is of particular value in clamping and locking a. machine gun on a suitable support. the device is of universal application and may be used in connection with cameras. transits and many other articles. In other words. the present device is suitable for clamping and lorking an arti le of any kind to a supporting member.

aving thus described the invention. what I claim is: I

1. A machine gun support including a cradle base forming a rest for a gun, cradle side forming non-yielding. gun clamping members and movable toward and from said base. and means to move said sides into and out of clamping and locking: position.

2. A macliiine gun support including a cradle base forming a rest for a gun. cradle sides mounted on said base to move toward each other to claim.) and lock thereon a gun. and to move from each other to release the gun. and means to simultaneously move said cradle sides into non-yielding clamping and non-yielding locking positions.

3. A machine gun support including a cradle base forming a rest For a gun. cradle sides forming non-yielding gun clamping" and locking members and movable later ly toward and trom said base and means to Hll'lllllttllltOllSlY move said sides toward and from the longitudinal center line of the base While maintaining the sides in symmetrical spacing to said line.

4, A machine gun support including a cradle base forming a rest for the can, guide members carried by the base and c;- tending transversely thereof. cradle sides forming gun clai'nping;- and locking? members slidably mounted on said guide members. and n'leans to move said side members on said guide members into and out of gun elan'iping and lockim. positions.

5. A machine gun support including a cradle base forming a rest "tor the gun,

guide members carried by the base and e);- tcnding transversely thereof. cradle sides forming gun clamping and locking members slidahly mounted on said pjuide members. and means cormectinp; s id ide men bers and arranged to move them simultaneously toward each other into clamping: and locking: positions and from each other into rel asing position.

6. A machine gun support including! a cradle base forn'iing a rest for the Q1 0.. guide members carried by the base and ex nding. transversely thereof, cradle sides torming gun clamping members slidablv mounted on said guide members. and means connecting said side members and arranged to move them simultaneously toward each other into clamping position and from each other into releasing position. said means being arranged to lock the sides releasablv in said clamping position.

7. In a device of the kind described. a cradle base forming a rest tor an article to be clamped. cradle sides supported to move toward and from the base to form article clamping" members. and a cannnitm; device having operative connection with the cradle sides and movable to etlect movement of the sides toward and from the cra lle base.

8. In a device of the kind der-zm'ibed. a cradle base forming a rest for an article to be clamped, guide members extending: laterally of said cradle base, cradle sides mounted on said guide. members to slide toward and from each other and constitutinn article clamping means. and a camming device having: operative com'lection w th the cradi sides and movable to etllcct simultaneous movement ol the sides toward and t'rom the longitudinal center line ol the base.

fl. In a device of the k nd described. a cradle base forming a rest for an article to be clamped. cradle sides supported to move toward and from the base to l'orm article clamping: and locking); members, and a camming; device having: operative conn ction with the crad e sides and movabl to etl'cct movement ot the sides toward and from the cradle base. said cammine' device includirg a dwell portion operable to hold the sides in article clamping and locking: positions.

10. In a device of the kind described. a cradle base formi g: a rest for an article to be clamped. guide members extemlingr laterally of said cradle base. cradle sides mounted on said guide memb rs to slide toward and from each o her and constitutiim article clanuginc and locking; means. and a ramming device having-j operative connection with the cradle sid s and movable to eti'ect simultaneous movem nt oi" the sid s toward and from the lc-np il'iulinal center line 0i the base, said cammiun device including a dwell portion operable to hold the sides in article clamping; and locking positions.

11. In a device of the kind described a cradle base tot-mine a rest for an article to be clamped. cradle sid s supported to more toward and from the base to form article clamping and lockinemeans. and a cam plate having operative connection with said sides and mounted to move longitiuilii allv oil the cradle sides and cause said sides to move into and out ol article clamping and locking." positions,

12. in a device of the kind described. a cradle base Forming a rest for an article to be clamped. cradle sides supported to move toward and from the base to form article clamping; and ldtdong means and a cam plate having operative connecti n with said sides and mounted to move longitndinallv of the cradle side and cause said sides to niove into and out of article clamping and locking posit ons. said cam plate having a dwell portion operable to lock the sides in clamping position.

13. In a device ot the hind described. a cradle base forming: a rest for an article to be clan'lped. cradle sides supported to move toward and from the base o form article elan'tpingr and locking means. and at am plate haviu; operative connection with said sides and mounted to move longitudinally of the cradle sides and cause said sides to move into and out ot' article clamping position, and an operating lever fulcrumed on the cradle base and connected to the cam plate to move the same.

14. In a device of the kind described. a cradle base torming a rest for an arti -.e to be clamped. and locked thereon. cradle sides supported to move toward and from the base to form article clamping and locking means, a cam plate having operative connection with said sii'les and mounted to move longitudinally of the cradle sides and cause said sides to move into and out of article clamping and locking position. said cam plate hav ing a dwell portion operable to hold the sides? in claiiping and locking p sition. and an operating lever tulcrumed on the cradle bas and connected to the cam plate to move the, same.

l5. In a device of the kind de cribed. a c 'adle base forming a rest tor an article to be clamped and locked thereon. guides extending transversely of said base. cradle sides slidably mounted on said guides to move toward each other to clamp and lock an article and from each other to release the same, and a cam plate mounted on said base to slide longitudinally thereof and having operative connection with said sides to move the sides to ard each other when moved in one direction and from each other when moved in the opposite direction.

16. In a device of the kind described, a cradle base forming a rest tor n article to be clamped and locked thereon. guides eX tending transversely of said ba e. cradle sides slidably mounted on said guides to move toward each other to clamp an article and from each other to release the same, and a cam plate mounted on said base to slide longitudinally thereof and having operative connection with said sides to move the sides toward each other when moved in on direction and from each other when moved in the opposite dire tion. said (am plate hav ng a dwell portion operable to hold the sides in clamping and locking positions.

17. In a device of the kind described. a cradle base torming a rest or an article to be clamped. guides extendii g transverselv of said base, cradle sides slidably mounted on said guides to move toward each other to clamp and lock an article on said cradle base. and from each other to re ease the same. a cam plate mounted on said base to slide longitudinally thereof and having operative connection with said sides to move the sides toward each other when moved in one direction and from each other when moved in the opposite direction, and an operating lever t'ulcrumcd on the cradle base and connected to the cam plate to move the same.

18. In a device of the kind described. a cradle base forming a rest for an article to be clai'nped and locked thereon, guides ext-ending transversely of said base, cradle sides slidably mounted on said guides to move toward each other to clamp and lock an article 011 said cradle base and from eaca other to release the same, a cam plate mounted on said base to slide longitudinally thereof and having operative connection with said sides to move the sides toward each other when moved in one direction and from each other when moved in the opposite direction, and an operating lever tulcrumed on the cradle base and connected to the cam plate to move the same.

I). In a device of the kind dcscribetl, a cradle base forming a rest tor an article to be clamped and locked thereon, guide pins projecting laterally from the side edges of said base, cradle sides having apertures receiving said pins to permit sliding movement oi the sides toward and from the base, transverse members extending from each side toward the other side, cam pins project, ing from said transverse members, a cam plate having diverging pairs of slots and receiving said cam pins, said plate being mounted on the base for moven'ient longi' tudinally thereof, said slots being so arranged that movement of the cam plate in one direction etl'ects movement ot the said sides to 'ard each other and movement of the plate in the other direction eltects movement of the sides from each other, said slots having parallel extensions forming dwells and receiving the cam pins upon the sides being in clamping position to effect a locking action, and means to move said cam plate.

24). In a device of the kind described, a cradle base forming a rest, for an article to he clamped and locked thereon, cradle sides movable laterally towards and from said cradle base, transverse members extending from each side towards the other side, cam pins projecting from said transverse members. a cam plate having diverging pairs of cam slots and receiving said am pins, said plate being mounted on the base for movement longitudinally thereof, the slots being so arranged that movement of the cam plate in one direction etlects movement of the sides towards each other to clamp the article on the cradle base, and movement, of the plate in the other direction effects movement of the sides from each other to unclamp the article, said slots having parallel extensions forming dwells and receiving the cam pins upon the sides being in clamping position to effect a locking action, and means to move said cam plate.

21. In a device of the kind described, a cradle base forming a. rest for an article to be clamped and locked thereon. cradle sides movable laterally towards and from said cradle base, transverse members extending from each cradle side towards the other side and forming adjacent pairs of transverse members, cam pins projecting from each member of said -pair of transverse members, the pins of each pair being offset with respect to each other longitudinally of the cradle base, a cam plate having diverging pairs of slots and receiving said pins, and continuous therewith parallel extensions forming dwells, the latter being offset to correspond with the pin offsets, whereby upon the cam plate being moved in one direction the sides of the cradle are preliminarily brought into a clamping position and upon further movement as the cam pins enter the dwell poritions into a locking position, and upon reverse movement of the cam plate, into an unlocking and unclamping position, and means to move said cam plate.

22. In a device of the kind described a universal joint including a clamping ring, a segmental spherical member held in said ring, spaced bearings supported on said member, a shaft supported in said bearings with its axis intersecting the axis of the ring at right angles thereto, and an article supporting device mounted on the shaft.

23. In a device of the kind described, tripod supporting means having legs provided with mud shoes at their lower ends, each mud shoe comprising in combination a flange member, a locking plate pivotally mounted on the tripod leg, and slots in said flange member adapted to receive the locking plate.

24:. In a device of the character described, a cradle base forming a rest for an article to be clamped, guide members, cradle sides forming article clamping and locking members mounted on said guide members and movable laterally toward and from said base, and means to move said side members relative to the guide members into and out of gun clamping and locking positions.

25. A machine gun support including a cradle base forming a rest for the gun, guide members, cradle sides forming gun clamping and locking members mounted on said guide members and movable laterally toward an from said base, and means to move said side members relative to said guide members into and out of gun clamping and locking positions.

26. In a device of the kind described, a cradle base forming a rest for an article to be clamped, cradle sides forming article clamping an locking members and movable laterally toward and from said base, means to simultaneously move said cradle sides into clamping position and from each other into releasing position, said means being arranged to lock the sides releasably in sair clamping position.

27. A machine gun support including a cradle base forming a rest "for a gun, cradle sides forming gun clamping and locking members and movable laterally ttrward and from said base, means to simultaneously move said cradle des into clamping position and from each other into releasing position, said means being arranged to lock the sides releasably in said clamping position.

28. In a device of the kind described, a cradle base forming a rest for an article to be clamped, guide members, cradle sides mounted on said guide members to slide toward and from each other and constituting article clamping mean" and means having operative connection with the cradle sides and movable to effect simultaneous movement of the sides toward and froin the longitudinal center line of the base.

29. In device of the kind described, a cradle base forming a rest for an article to be clamped, cradle sides adjacent the base mounted to slide toward and from each other and constituting article clamping and locking means, means having operative connection with the cradle sides and movable to effect simultaneous movement of the sides toward and from the base, and means to hold the cradle sides in article clamping and locking positions.

GREENHOW J OHNSTON. 

